Exploring factors associated with critical care nurse adoption of evidence based practice

Abstract

The purpose of this survey research study was to explore factors associated with the increased use of evidence based practice (EBP). The specific intervention involved the instillation of sterile normal saline prior to endotracheal suctioning. Instilling saline is not supported by current research; therefore, reported use of saline prior to endotracheal suctioning was not considered to be EBP. Rogers’s diffusion of innovations theory and Knowles’s theory of self-directedness served as the theoretical foundations for the study. Surveys were administered to nurses (n=99) employed in intensive care, cardiac recovery, and progressive care units at 3 hospital sites. Predictor variables considered included education level of nurses, scores on the Innovativeness Scale, scores on the Continuing Learning Scale, the extent to which journals and databases are used by nurses, and nurse access to a research facilitator. Logistic regression revealed that degree attainment and nurse access to a research facilitator were statistically significant predictors of adoption of procedures based on EBP. Educators should consider including a research or EBP component into the associate degree program to promote research awareness, and research facilitators can be included as an integral part of the healthcare team. Implications for positive social change include use of EBP to help achieve optimal patient outcomes consistent with research findings.